Over 200K NCR drivers to get cash aid this week; payout outside NCR after Holy Week

More than 200,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in the National Capital Region (NCR) are scheduled to receive their cash relief assistance (CRA) from the government this week to help them cope with rising fuel prices, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said.

PUV drivers outside NCR meanwhile will receive their CRA after Holy Week, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said Saturday.

The schedule of payout of P5,000 CRA this week in NCR is as follows, according to DSWD's press release issued Sunday: 

    TNVS drivers - Tuesday, March 24 - for around 27,635 drivers
    Jeepney drivers - Wednesday, March 25 - more than 21,700 drivers
    Delivery service drivers - Thursday and Friday, March 26 and 27 - 137,700 drivers
    Motorcycle taxi riders - Saturday, March 28 - approximately 27,600 drivers

That amounts to a total of 214,635 targeted beneficiaries.

"Itong mga nabanggit ay 'yung operating within the NCR... Tinatapos pa natin ang NCR... Hindi naman kailangang mag-alala ng ibang drivers outside Metro Manila. After Holy Week, mag-uumpisa naman tayo ng distribution sa kanila," Dumlao said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday.

(These are for drivers operating within the NCR. We are finishing the payouts in NCR. Other drivers outside Metro Manila need not worry. After Holy Week, we will start the distribution for them.)

PUV drivers need to present their valid driver's license as well as a photocopy of it at the payout venue.

The DSWD will announce the payout venues on Monday, March 23.

The department said drivers may coordinate with their local government units and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to make sure they are included in the list of beneficiaries of the CRA.

The cash assistance is being given under DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) as the Middle East conflict stemming from the US-Israel war against Iran drove up the prices of fuel.

Each venue will have a joint help desk to be manned by representatives of the LTFRB and other groups and organizations, Dumlao said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will be the one who will provide cash assistance to taxi drivers, she said. 

Farmers and fisherfolk on the other hand will receive assistance from the Department of Agriculture to help them amid the high cost of fuel due to the Middle East conflict.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate release of P21.47 billion in public funds to roll out fuel subsidies and sustain infrastructure projects, the Department of Budget and Management said Friday.

Malacañang on Friday called on the public transport sector, particularly drivers, to trust the government’s measures amid their continued demand for Marcos to address rising petroleum prices. —KG, GMA Integrated News